News
John O’Donoghe third past the post in Killarney local election
Kerry Independent Alliance councillor John O’Donoghue was third past the post in what was his first local election.
He was co-opted onto the council in June 2021 following the retirement of his uncle and former councillor Michael Gleeson.
He is a primary school teacher from Muckross and was part of Gleeson’s backroom team for years.
“I can’t thank enough, the 1574 people who voted for me,” he said, “I hope this is a reflection on the work I have done for coming on three years now. But as they say, the next election starts now.”
O’Donoghue earned 1,574 first preference and was elected on the second count after Maura Healy Rae’s surplus votes were transferred to the remaining candidates.
His uncle was on hand to see O’Donoghue elected at the first time of asking.
“I am delighted to see John do well on his first campaign,” said the former Mayor of Killarney.
“It can be very intimidating as he establishes their own credibility and policies but John and his team travelled the constituency very thoroughly and close to 1600 people have shown their faith in him.”
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin will celebrate its 50th anniversary on June 20.
Parishioners and members of the wider community are invited to attend a special anniversary Mass to mark the local milestone. The parish will welcome Bishop Ray Browne to lead the golden jubilee celebrations.
The anniversary Mass is scheduled for 7.30pm, and refreshments will be served for all attendees immediately afterward.
Picture Caption: Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin, which celebrates its 50th anniversary on Saturday 20th June. Photo: Sean Kelly
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra
Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May to mark the retirement of long-serving teacher and former ASTI President Donal Cremin at a function held in the Brehon Hotel.
Donal had been a member of the teaching staff since the school opened in 1998, working initially as a metalwork and technical graphics teacher before transitioning into his role as a school guidance counsellor. His career in education spans several decades, including 15 years at Scoil Mhuire gan Smál in Blarney. Prior to entering teaching, he worked as a senior craftsman at the Sugar Factory in Mallow.
Throughout his career, Donal was a prominent advocate for workers’ rights within the Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland (ASTI). He held multiple positions within the union, including school steward, Board of Management representative, and regional representative. In 2023, he became the first Kerry person to be elected as President of the ASTI.
Outside of his professional life, Donal has been a long-standing volunteer within the credit union movement, serving in various local and national capacities over several decades.
The retirement event was widely attended by past and present colleagues. Donal was joined at the celebration by his wife Maureen and their children, Aidan, Maria, and
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church
Kilcummin Parish to celebrate golden jubilee of local church Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Kilcummin will celebrate its 50th...
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra
Donal Cremin retires from Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra Staff at Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore gathered in late May...
Four Esquires Productions’ ambitions for a full-length feature film in Kerry
Amateur drama group Four Esquires Productions has announced ambitions to record a full-length feature film, with the ultimate goal of...
Concerns raised over Killarney House weekly closures
Concerns raised over Killarney House weekly closures Concerns have been raised following the revelation that the main visitor centre for...
There is a reason Killarney is so tidy
There is a reason Killarney is so tidy By Eamonn Fitzgerald Killarney won the overall national award as Ireland’s Tidiest...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
